This message is for SHC in Louisianna. It appears there are many PTO's wanting to help and get involved. Is it possible to find out if there are PTO's in you area that could use the support of those who wish to get involved? We are in the throws of a fall fundraiser and would like to sponsor or adobt a school that needs help. Are there specific Parishes in LA that you are aware of that could use our help? Realizing that your group is in the thick of it, perhaps some direction of a contact to find it ourselves would be possible? Sincerely don't want to add to your situation.
This morning my Ent Book and Sally Rep told me that she was working on a program that the kids could do to donate the proceeds to the kids in TX or other areas (she said that the company has put aside $500,000 to help the victims). We are going to try and find a school that needs the help. (A school that has kids added) These kids need backpacks, New Shoes to wear, a doll, toys.....imagine something to put a smile on their face. We are going to try and do a small one week fundraiser (where our parents get something back.....but ALL the proceeds go to the kids or a school in TX) God bless those people.
I am waiting to find out when and where to donate supplies. I heard from the Red Cross person that they will be asking for that stuff in the next few days.
I have friends down there and I'm thankful they are safe.
I know a way to help is to offer to house a family. I had considered that, but we live 700 miles away. go to www.cnn.com
they have a list of ways to help.
Our local news station has set up a fund at a local bank. I know that certain stores will match customer donations.
I saw that Exxon donated around $1million. I have heard a lot of people say they should take back the money and lower gas prices. LOL THAT would help all of us!
I am in central Louisiana and I have heard the schools are basically non-existent right now. I worked at a shelter today and I heard that these children will be enrolled at our local schools (and get bus transportation, free lunches, etc.). Our school (private)is getting 20 new students tomorrow.
At the two shelters I have been to, the Red Cross is everywhere and doing a good job. That is one suggestion for you. They also need diapers, wipes, formula, new underwear and socks, non-perishable food items, and any toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste etc).
At our school last year, we had a coin drive for the Tsunami and raised a fair amount. Be prepared, though, to roll and count it if your bank won't (a pain).
This is a dire situation. Our school was passing out flyers in the carpool line today asking for donation of supplies (for the evacuees in our town).
I think it was right after 9-11 we did a hat day. If the kids wore a hat they paid $1.00. The goal was $500.00 and we raised about 1,000, if I remember correctly. The proceeds went to the Red Cross.
I would say right now they need money and later on it will be easier for them to accept actual supplies. Especially in New Orleans where most of the roads are closed and everything is hard to get too. I did hear a rumor that those being transported from the Super Dome to the Astro Dome were told their kids would need to be enrolled for school. It will take them so long to get the clothes and supplies they need for basic living let alone school supplies. You may want to keep your eye opened for something like that. If you give to a charity make sure it is one that is trustworthy. It is sad to think there are people that would take advantage of such a dire sitiuation, but there is.
We do a penny collection year 'round, and I've proposed to our board that all pennies collected during September be given to the Greater New Orleans United Way. I found its link on the website that was mentioned in a previous post. I figure that a cash donation is best, as it can be used for specifically what is needed most.
